Sewing, at any level, is always useful. My mother made sure that all of us kids (three girls and four boys) knew how to wash clothes (cold water for safety of colors and whites), had basic cooking skills, could iron clothes, and do basic sewing. All of us have benefited because of it. So, YES, sewing is a great skill.

When we were newlyweds (won't say how LONG ago that was!) the wife bought a sewing machine. Pretty expensive one IMHO, but it came with several nights of sewing classes included. I went with her. So I learned how to work the machine, what each of it's bazillions of different stiches was used for, and how to get thread on the bobbin and run the thread through all the little levers and holes and springy things inside the machine (which is not a trivial task for the uninitiated!)

But, being an engineer, creative sewing was not for me. I did make several things though. "Engineered" things, not pretty things. Like a cover for the birdcage - which is basically a bottomless cube with a slit going up one side and over the top. Right up an engineer's alley. Of course, to show off my newly learned sewing skills, I made it lined with black fabric with a flashy floral pattern on the outside, and used not only straight stitches, but zigzag (to prevent fraying), bar-tacking (to reinforce), and a nice hem at the bottom.

But when I realized (in horror) what I had been doing, I quickly grabbed my Man Card, drank a beer, spit, farted, scratched my crotch, and plopped down in front of the TV. Man, I barely escaped what could have been a really awkward lifestyle for a guy.

That's the problem - sewing is seen as a girlie pastime. I compensated by mostly sewing only manly things - climbing slings, packs (really tough packs) and the like. And I stayed away from those complex machines with computerized programs for elaborate stitches - give me a treadle operated straight stitcher any day.

And I did all teh things you listed, Haertig. That always helps....

Fear not, men.

I have an oooold camping book that includes a chapter on gear making. The author mentions that men should not hesitate to master skills such as cooking and sewing "...lest women become indespensible for reasons other than nature intended."

Yes, it is.

They say the old time sailor men ("ships of wood and men of iron" and all that) were supurb at sewing. The sail maker was the specialist, but any old salt could take a scrap of sail cloth and make himself a beautiful sea bag. It was said that when a sailor sewed on a button, it was there for the life of the garment.

Of course, I wasn't a squid, rather I served in the Marine Corps, so like Haertig:

Of course, I wasn't a squid, rather I served in the Marine Corps,
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Jarhead.

yes it is.
I wish I knew it :-)

Pete2

Alright, how can I learn to sew or use a sewing machine? I've been just making it up as I go along. But it sounds like there are things to be learned!

I think there are community education classes held through the local school systems. Also, the chain fabric stores (Jo-Ann Fabrics is one) have classes/lessons also.

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My $.02